Princeton Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) participated in another training session last weekend.

On March 22 and 23, Princeton GSAR trained in ice rescue alongside members from Penticton & District Search & Rescue, Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue, and Kent Harrison Search and Rescue. An instructor from Rescue Canada who is also a member of the Central Cariboo Search and Rescue team coordinated the training weekend.

Ice rescue team members are required to re-certify every three years, and Princeton GSAR uses Rescue Canada to conduct those training sessions. Princeton GSAR currently has seven certified members.

"The training covers identifying different types of ice and how their strength varies, use of various equipment, the members' personal protection equipment, and how to check and use it all safely," Princeton GSAR president and manager Paul Fyfe said. "There are online, classroom and practical components to the training, and if we don't have enough of our own members to fill a course, we will invite neighbouring teams which also promotes familiarization and camaraderie."

Fyfe added that ice rescue training is just one of the various specialties that they train for over the course of the year. Princeton GSAR's next session will be tracking training, which they will host from May 9 to May 11.